This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in [Matthew 27:17](./17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "prisoner whom the crowd would choose" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])